AF651: Shona Sword

A good quality Shona "Bakatwa" sword of prestige, and ceremonial use. The wood handle is intricately carved and adorned with brass wire. The well forged blade has a Z shape that has one side bright, and the other side retains the fire scale producing a black color. An interesting purposeful contrast. Unfortunately no scabbard on this one.     

20 inches overall with a 15 inch blade. Late 19th or early 20th century, Zimbabwe, Africa .